PINZON, MARTIN ALONSO (c.1440-93). A Spanish navigator, companion and patron of Columbus. He was born at Palos and attained distinction as a bold and skillful sailor, making distant and profitable voyages as far as the Guinea Coast. Through Fray Juan Perez de Marchena, prior of the Convent of La Ritbida, he came to know Columbus, and his enthusiasm was aroused by the scheme of the great navigator. With .his brothers, Vicente Yafiez and Francisco Martin, he exerted his influence in the seafaring town of Palos to enlist men for the voyage across the Atlantic. The brothers also lent Columbus the money which he was to contribute as his share of the cost of the expedition. tin the first voyage of discovery Martin Alonso commanded the Pinta. As the fleet was coasting along Cuba after the landfall on Guanahani Island, he sepa rated from the other two ships in disregard of the Admiral's orders (November 21, 1492). He was the first to discover the island of Haiti, on the coast of which he rejoined Columbus January 6, 1493. Ile was met with severe reproaches by
Columbus, who charged him with treasonable intentions; and indeed there is little doubt that Pinzon was envious of the glory which had fallen to the Genoese and was desirous of linking his own name with some great discovery. On the re turn voyage Martin Alonso. in the Pinta, parted company with the Yiiia during- a storm, and reaching Bayona in Galicia. sought to obtain an interview with the Spanish monarchs, who, however, n-f used to receive in person anyoiw but the Admiral. Pinzon thereupon set sail for Palos. which he reached on the same day as Columbus (March 15th). As the result prob.
ably of privntions encountered (baring the voyage. he died soon after at the COMMA of La consult Asen.io, .11wiso estudio historic() (Madrid, 1892).